Comparison of the Charter of Oath and the Kabo Reforms

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Exercise: Comparing the Kabo (Gabo) Reform Edicts (1894) and the Meiji Charter of Oath (1868) (Required)


Document I: The Gabo Reform Edicts (1)
  1. Korea is a sovereign country (i.e., completely independent from China's interference).
  2. Only the King (and not the Yangban elite) is to control the government.
  3. Those with talent are to be allowed to study.
  4. The army is to be established on the basis of conscription, regardless of background.
  5. Appointment to the government is to be based on merit alone.
  6. Leather working, acting and so on are to no longer be regarded as degrading work.
  7. Hierarchical society (sinbun class system) is to be abolished.

1. Source: Wikipedia

Document II: The Charter Oath of 1868 (1)


The following declaration, often called the "Charter Oath of 1868" is one of the first documents written by the new Meiji leaders and reveals much about the new society they hoped to create.

By this oath we set up as our aim the establishment of the national weal on a broad basis and the framing of a constitution and laws.
1. Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by public discussion.
2. All classes, high and low, shall unite in vigorously carrying out the administration of affairs of state.
3. The common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall each be allowed to pursue his own calling so that there may be no discontent.
4. Evil customs of the past shall be broken off and everything based upon the just laws of Nature.
5. Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule.*

The oath was written by the new leaders and given to the newly restored emperor to present to the people.
(1) Source: Sources of Japanese Tradition, volume II, compiled by Ryusaku Tsunoda, Wm. Theodore de Bary and Donald Keene (N.Y.:Columbia University Press, 1958) p. 137.